Get sowing annual climbers now

It’s a cheap way to get foliage and flowers all summer

To give exotic annual climbers plenty of time to get started, so they’re able to flower for five months or more from spring, start them off by seed now. Many gardeners grow annual climbers from seed for their sheer value – they cost no more than a few pounds. Twining plants of up to 3m (10ft) tall flower for ages, with exquisite blooms that look as though you’ve paid a fortune for such beauty! Most look great in pots, growing up an obelisk skyward on the patio. If growing in pots or baskets, water well and feed with liquid fertiliser fortnightly (except for nasturtiums).

With often quite large, thick seed, try soaking them (much like you might a sweet pea) overnight in cold water to soften the coat and encourage germination. Then sow thinly on to trays or pots of moist seed compost, and just cover with a fine sprinkle of more compost. The ideal temperature is around 20C (68F) in a heated propagator or on a warm windowsill, kept moist, with germination taking two weeks or so. Once seedlings are large and solid enough to handle by the leaves, transplant them into their own individual 8cm (3in) pots and grow on. Plant out in late May in pots or borders, supported well through summer. Try thunbergia draped in a hanging basket for extra wow factor.

Thinly sow annual climbers now, then leave to germinate in gentle heat